The hum of a well-puzzled brain, the satisfying click as a tricky word falls into place – that’s the magic of the daily crossword, isn’t it? Every solver knows the thrill and, yes, sometimes the mild exasperation, of encountering a particularly cunning crossword clue. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one such delightful head-scratcher that recently caught my eye and, I’m sure, countless other solvers: “Urge few, shortly perhaps, to provide shelter (6)“.
Just reading it aloud, you can almost hear the gears turning. This isn’t just a straightforward definition; it’s a prime example of the ingenious wordplay that makes cryptic crosswords such an enduring delight. The ” (6)” at the end immediately tells us the length of our target word, a crucial piece of information that helps narrow down the possibilities right from the start. For any seasoned crossword clue enthusiast, this number is the first piece of solid ground in what often feels like a linguistic maze.
Breaking down a cryptic crossword clue like “Urge few, shortly perhaps, to provide shelter (6)” is an art form in itself. Typically, these clues consist of two parts: a definition of the answer and some form of wordplay that leads you there. The trick, of course, is discerning which part is which, and what kind of linguistic gymnastics the setter has in mind. Is “Urge few” our definition, or is “to provide shelter” the direct meaning? Or perhaps, as often happens, both phrases intertwine, each hinting at a facet of the final solution.
The phrase “shortly perhaps” immediately jumps out as a strong indicator of a specific cryptic device. In the world of the crossword clue, words like “shortly,” “briefly,” “cut,” or “truncated” often point towards an abbreviation, a shortened form of a word, or even a removal of letters from a longer word. This is where a good general knowledge of common abbreviations and an ear for how words can be snipped comes in handy. It’s a classic misdirection technique, pulling your mind away from literal interpretation and towards the more playful, condensed form of language.
Then we have “Urge few” and “to provide shelter.” These are the meat of the clue, and understanding their potential roles is key. Does “Urge few” suggest a specific action, or perhaps a group being urged? And “to provide shelter” feels very much like a definition, hinting at a place or an action of protection. The beauty of these clues lies in their ability to use common phrases in uncommon ways, forcing us to consider multiple layers of meaning. Every part of a well-crafted crossword clue is intentional, designed to either guide you or subtly lead you astray before the “aha!” moment.
The process of solving such a compelling crossword clue involves a dance between deduction and intuition. You try to separate the definition from the wordplay, experiment with different cryptic techniques (is it an anagram? A charade? A container clue? A homophone?), and test potential solutions against the given letter count. It’s a testament to the power of language and the cleverness of crossword setters that a seemingly simple sentence can contain so much depth and challenge. For those who relish the intellectual exercise, cracking a crossword clue like this isn’t just about finding the answer; it’s about appreciating the journey of discovery. The satisfaction comes from unravelling the linguistic knot, revealing the elegant simplicity of the solution that was hidden in plain sight.
Available Answers:
REFUGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 24 June 2025